Help to Get Started Budgeting

Check out this video for help when you start budgeting.  While at the website, check out other tools from Dave Ramsey.

Saving Star = Free Money

I haven't talked about this for a while, but here's an easy way to save money.  Load your frequent shopper account numbers & automatically earn coupons that you load on your account. I've earned $44 in probably 2 years on groceries I was buying anyway.


There is a new resource for digital coupon called SavingStar.com. Sign up for SavingStar.com (click the join for free link at the top of the page) and you will be able to load these coupons onto your store loyalty card:

I entered my zip code and I found that the following stores in my area that participate in this program:

• Buehler's
• Giant Eagle
• Rite Aid
• CVS

They have over 24,000 participating stores, so there should be several where you are located too!
This program is a little different than your usual eCoupons, instead of coming off at the register, the money is added to your SavingStar account and then they send you the money via check, pay pal or an Amazon gift card.

Here is exactly how it works:

• Select the eCoupons you like on the website or mobile app, and they are automatically linked to your store card.
• Use your card when you checkout and the money is added to your SavingStar account. The savings don’t change your bill at the register and the savings are not printed on the receipt. Instead, they get deposited into your account within 7-30 days depending upon where you shop.
• Once your SavingStar account reaches $5 in savings, you can pick your payout from a bank account deposit, a PayPal account deposit, an Amazon gift card, or a donation to charity. More options to come!

Shopping Guide by Month

According to Yahoo these are the best months to shop for deals.

January: Best month to buy

White sales: Hit stores and online to find the largest savings of the year on table linens, beddingand towels.

HDTVs: Watch for deep discounts just before the Super Bowl. Not in the budget now? They also go on sale in March and December.
   
Fitness equipment: Retailers are cashing in on New Year's resolutions—take advantage of huge price cuts to jump on a new treadmill or a set of light weights.

Holiday leftovers: Wrapping paper and ornaments are slashed by up to 75 percent—be ready for next year.

BARGAIN TIP: The bigger the chain, the bigger the savings. Department stores such as Macy's andJCPenney have been known to discount their linens up to 60 percent during white sales.

February: Best month to buy

Fragrances: Get your favorites for less during Valentine's Day promotions.

Electronics: New models of MP3 players, DVD players anddigital cameras are announced at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show in January. Take advantage of this moment to grab last year's models at a huge discount.

Humidifiers: If you're suffering from a lingering cold or the drying effects of indoor heat, humidifiers are marked down this month and next.

BARGAIN TIP: Look for Presidents' Day sales! Compare and track discounts in your area atpresidentsdaysales.com.

March: Best month to buy

    Winter gear: Coats, skis and boots are moving out to make way or spring items—shop now for a major discount.

    A freezer full of meals: Look for a special coupon insert promoting Frozen Food Month in Sunday circulars, then stock up. Visit nfraweb.org for more details.

BARGAIN TIP: Whenever a new product is released, look for the old model on sale. Afraid you're buying second best? Ask the sales rep to explain the new model's upgrades—you may never need or use them anyway.

April: Best month to buy

Digital cameras: They go on sale again for families taking off for spring break.

Warm-weather clothes: Browse now for spring fashions as they begin
 to move to sale racks this month. If you wear a common size, hit the stores early.

BARGAIN TIP: When buying online, try to get free shipping. Before you check out, visitfreeshipping.org and search by store for coupons and codes.

May: Best month to buy

Picnic supplies, outdoor furniture and pantry staples:It's National Barbecue Month! Watch for discounts to get you eating outdoors.

    Athletic apparel: Save on last year's sneakers before next season's models roll in.   

Cookware: Ditch your dingy pots and pans and take advantage of sales wooing Mother's Day and wedding shoppers.

BARGAIN TIP: In the market for a big-ticket item? Some stores, such as Sears, have reinstated interest-free layaway policies. So if you want it, buy now and pay later!

June: Best month to buy

    Swimsuits and summer wear: Cash in as prices drop.

Lingerie: Look for the semi-annual sale at Victoria's Secret.   

Tools: Drills, saws and tech products (like GPS units) have deep discounts aimed at dads and grads.   

Dairy days: It's Dairy Month—time to serve up milk shakes, sundaes and cheese platters. Get details atnationaldairycouncil.org and plan a school's-out ice cream social on the cheap!

BARGAIN TIP: You've spotted a sale item with an unbeatable price, but the store's across town. Find out if your preferred store has an ad match policy and will match any local price (such asWalmart does).

July: Best month to buy

    Furniture: Deals abound as stores make room for new lines, according to the American Home Furnishings Alliance.   

Month-to-month gym memberships: Negotiate now, as health clubs try to keep up quotas throughout the summer.

BARGAIN TIP: Take a break from bargain hunting and let someone else do the work. Probargainhunter.com lists deals and coupons, and posts news about discounts.

August: Best month to buy

        Fall fashions, school supplies and computers: Get major price breaks for back-to-school shopping. Save even more by buying a refurbished computer at dell.com/outlet.   

Air conditioners, lawn mowers and yard equipment: As the heat index drops, prices do, too, so stores can clear shelves for incoming fall items.   

Camping equipment: Get the year's best prices on tents and other outdoor gear, just in time to put together a memorable Labor Day weekend under the stars.

BARGAIN TIP:  Look for back-to-school sales! Buy basics like pencils and paper in advance, but wait to purchase pricier items until teachers send out their list of required supplies.

September: Best month to buy

    Cars: As new models hit the showroom floor, older vehicles are the ones to buy. Before you shop, visit edmunds.com to find out the market value of different types of cars.   

Perennials, shrubs and trees: Keep your thumb green for less during fall. According to Consumer Reports, prices on greenery at this time of year can't be beat.   

Bikes: Reduce your carbon footprint with a new two-wheeler. Deals on bikes begin now and continue through autumn.

BARGAIN TIP: Look for Labor Day sales! Also, before you finish a purchase online, visitretailmenot.com, a free coupon Web site that publishes coupon codes for more than 20,000 online retailers.

October: Best month to buy

Grills: Prices drop as dinner moves indoors.   

Auto supplies: It's Fall Car Care Month—you'll see discounts on tires and car supplies.   

Appliances and vacuums: Look for sales on last year's kitchenand other appliances, including washers and dryers, as new models begin to arrive in stores.   

Winter gear: Take advantage of early discounts on coats, hats and scarves.

BARGAIN TIP: Look for Columbus Day sales! Also, know your discount lingo. A "sale" item can return to full price; "clearance" is the lowest it will go and is often a final sale—no refunds.

November: Best month to buy

    Stereos, TVs and clothing: These and other major items can be found for a steal on Black Friday. Get a head start on bargain hunting at bfads.net, which has Black Friday circulars from most major retailers.

Wedding dresses: Look for a gown between now and Christmas, when boutiques are empty and clearing out inventory. Salespeople are hungry!

BARGAIN TIP: Look for Black Friday sales! Not up for the post-turkey stampede? Take advantage of Cyber Monday, three days later. Finish up your holiday shopping online—in your jammies. Visitcybermonday.com for more info.

December: Best month to buy

Toys, electronics and more: 'Tis the season to save.   

New-model cars: Dealerships want to meet year-end goals—haggle.

BARGAIN TIP: Look for pre- and post-Christmas sales! Note price adjustment policies. At Target, if you buy something (excluding clearance items) that costs less the following week, you'll get the difference back.